Lacey hollered, “Everything alright?”
“Yep. Couldn’t be better,” she lied, moving toward the kitchen to help.
Chapter Fifteen
Leith was committing the ultimate crime, in his opinion, betraying a friend, lying to a man he respected—subterfuge at its best. For what? Yes, he was under orders, but they all knew that was a copout. If he really wanted to put a stop to dragging Keeley into it and at the same time avoid deceiving Tar, he could. The voice inside his head began to protest: This is the biggest case of the century. You’re going to let some woman screw it up for you. Respect for some man who left the damn team? Now that’s foolish.
To add insult to injury, another could be heard. “Keeley needs the pain. You’re helping a friend while cracking a huge case. Win-win. Tar will forgive you. And if he doesn’t, so be it. Besides, Keeley is attracted to you. Let the best man win her heart.” The demon sneered, talking about love gave him hives, literally. What a pointless emotion. Humans were so drawn to it, making them easy targets. He quietly backed away, watching as his suggestions took root. Ah yes, he’d found another to do his bidding. Lust. Leith would serve his purpose well. His goal, after all, was Keeley Kincaid, and he would be the victor.
Keeley couldn’t believe her luck, as if something else was at work opening all the doors for her. A chill ran up her spine, foreboding and eerie. What the hell was she doing? She acknowledged she should turn around and go back to Tar. He and E were working with Mitch on the other assignment she would be a part of in some way. At least with them, she would be guarded and protected. She gave a mental nod to herself, definitely what she needed to do. Turning around to go back the way she came from, Keeley bumped into a well-dressed woman. “Oh, my God. I’m so sorry.” She held out her hand to help the lady and stopped. Keeley took a step back, frightened for some reason. Her mind raced to place that face, and then it hit. Recognition. This was the mystery woman from Lacey and E’s wedding reception. She’d given Keeley the full on heebie-jeebies then too. Something about her flashed: Beware. Evil. Run. And that was exactly what Keeley did.
She knew that woman was dangerous, wanted to harm her somehow. Instinct taking over, survive was her only thought as she darted into the street. A strong arm caught her, yanking hard. She fell on top of the person who just saved her life from an oncoming cable car. “Leith.”
“Damn, Keeley. You almost got yourself killed.”
Would’ve been better for everyone, especially Tar. “I wasn’t paying attention,” she rasped.
“Yeah, I see that.” Their gazes locked and, for just a moment, Leith wondered what the beauty on top of him would do.
“Oh my! Are you okay, honey?” The woman’s voice even triggered chills in Keeley as she glanced up.
“Fine,” she answered curtly, bringing a leveled gaze to hers.
Leith whispered, “Bit rude, aren’t you?” as he moved to stand up, assisting her.
She shot him a nasty look, but said nothing.
He studied her until the woman inquired, “I guess this is her?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He held out his hand and shook hers before turning to Keeley. “This is Ms. Jones, our way into to the underground club.” His voice was level, making sure she understood this lady was part of their cover.
Hell no! Keeley really looked at the woman, remembering what had unnerved her at the reception. Bingo! She reminded her of Viviane. But that didn’t quite connect. This woman was platinum blonde, Viv was a dark brunette. She had hazel eyes; Viv’s were a deep brown almost black. They both had an olive skin tone and stood about the same height, five-foot-three Keeley guessed. Viv had large breasts, Ms. Jones had small ones. Her nose was pert and her lips pouty. Viv had a strong nose, almost too big for her face, and slim lips. Bottom line, they looked nothing alike, yet Keeley had a gut feeling she could not suppress. She realized her blatant mental checklist when Leith coughed to get her attention. “I see,” was all she managed to respond with.
He shot her a wary sidelong glance and waved Ms. Jones to begin walking. A limo was waiting for them as they rounded the corner. Keeley wanted to back away. Something told her once she got into that car, her life would change forever. Not in a good way. Her foot slid backwards but Leith put his hand on the small of her back. “You’re fine. I’m right here,” he declared and nudged her forward.
Her subconscious was screaming, NOOOOOOOOO! She never got the chance to run. Leith blocked her, though she wasn’t convinced he meant her any harm. He was doing his job. An assignment she voluntarily agreed to without telling Tar or Mitch. She couldn’t very well explain what had her skittish, an accomplice to murder wasn’t exactly smiled upon. And without proof of Viviane’s identity, odds were she’d take the fall if she went to the authorities. Yep, that was out. She slid into the limousine praying for help to come before it was too late.